FAQs
What is Bioheapleaching?
Bioheapleaching is the dissolution of metals from the ore by certain naturally occurring bacteria. It occurs naturally but as part of Talvivaara’s operations we accelerate the process by crushing and agglomerating the ore and then stacking it in a heap before treatment. The ore then has air pumped through it, water dripped through and nutrients for the bacteria added to the water. The bacteria are naturally occurring in the ore.
How does it work?
The bioheapleaching bacteria (in order to “eat”!) oxidise iron and inorganic sulphur compounds in the ore. Metal ions are subsequently dissolved in the solution dripping through the heap.
What are the advantages of using bioheapleaching?
It has relatively low capital intensity in comparison to laterite projects and because it accelerates a naturally occurring process the environmental impact is less than it is with smelting.
Has bioheapleaching been used anywhere else?
Bioheapleaching has been successfully used to extract particularly copper and gold.
When is Talvivaara expected to start commercial - scale production?
In the fourth quarter of 2008.
What is so special about Talvivaara?
- It is one of the largest known sulphide nickel deposit in Europe with 336 million tonnes in measured and indicated categories.
- Easy and cost-effective mining with large open pits and thin overburden
- Favourable location close to existing energy and transportation infrastructure
- Operations in Finland where there is transparent regulation and a supportive government
Who formed the company?
Pekka Perä in September 2003 for the purpose of acquiring the Talvivaara deposits.
What is nickel used for?
Nickel is a metal with a valuable combination of properties suitable for alloying, electrochemical processes and catalysis of chemical reactions. The greatest proportion of nickel production is applied in stainless steel, followed by plating and non-ferrous alloys.
What does Talvivaara mean?
‘‘Winter Hill’. “Vaara” is a local Finnish term describing a particular kind of hill found near our operations.
For how long are your current operations expected to produce metals?
About 24 years, starting in the forth quarter of 2008.
